To begin, you'll obviously have to know the difference between the two. As a beginner, the first step to entering an Internet poker tournament is choosing an online forum. On the homepage of this Web site, you can find fully accredited poker rooms that come highly recommended. Most of these sites host single table and multi-table tournaments.

I recommend a single table tournament for a beginning poker player. There is usually a ten-player limit for single table tournaments. To enter, you have to submit a set amount of money, called the "buy in". On Party Poker, for example, tournament buy ins range from $5 to upwards of $100. To begin the tournament, every player is given the same amount chips. Again, using Party Poker as an example, each player usually gets 800 chips to begin. If you can outlast the rest of the table, and finish in the top 3 spots, you have a chance to win a share of the pot.

Online poker sites also have cash games, which are a bit different than single table tournaments. There are several different types of cash games. Like tournaments, cash games range from "home game" stakes to "high roller" stakes. The major difference between the two, however, is that you are betting actual money in a cash game. For example, when you raise $5 dollars in a cash game, you have the chance of losing five dollars in that hand. Now that you know the difference between cash games and tournaments, which one is right for you, the beginner?

Both types of poker have clear-cut pros and cons. The major advantage in playing in an Internet poker tournament is that you know exactly how much you can win or lose when you start. For example, you can enter a tournament with a $10 buy in. When that tournament begins, you know that the most amount of money you can lose in that game is $10. However, if you place third you know you will win $10; second place wins $20; and third wins you $40. Furthermore, you can sit down and enjoy a tournament for easily over an hour and only have the chance of losing $10.

Another major advantage for beginners when playing in an Internet poker tournament is the fact that you can learn the game without a huge financial risk. You could play over a hundred hands in a $10 buy in tournament. In a cash game, you could potentially lose $10 in a single hand. If you're looking to gain experience with less risk, then tournament play is a smart way to get started playing Internet poker.

However, if you are thinking about getting into poker for a "quick fix," you have a greater opportunity of winning fast money in a cash game. Unlike tournaments, there is no cap in your potential winnings in a cash game. Obviously, the risk involved when playing cash games is much greater than in tournament play. Regardless, if you want to make some quick bucks, then a cash game would suit you better than a tournament.

Click Here to sign up with Pacific Poker and get your
25% Sign up bonus

It doesn't matter what type of game you choose, you must always be aware that the poker waters are often times treacherous. As a beginner, you will have to avoid players known as "sharks." These are players that have much more experience, but still play at low limit tables to clean up on beginners. Your best defense for a so-called "shark" is observation. Always observe other players at your table.

For example, when you enter a cash game, always look for a clear-cut money leader. If you see six players at a table and all but one have roughly the same amount of chips, you can usually assume that the one with all the money could be a ringer. Always be cautious of these types of players.

It is a bit tougher to distinguish a shark in a tournament, however, because every player starts with the same amount of chips. However, if you see one player dominating a tournament, beware of him and avoid one-on-one match ups unless you feel you have a hand that you can't lose.

Poker, especially Texas Holdem, is becoming increasingly popular. As a beginner, it is important to equip yourself with the right tools to succeed. The popular saying goes, "it takes a minute to learn and a lifetime to master." The best advice I can give any beginner is to choose the type of game that will give you the most practice with the budget you set for yourself. There's nothing like the rush you get taking down a pot where you've gone "all in," whether you're in an Internet poker tournament or a cash game.

Christopher Lam is a new writer for www.Internet-Poker.com. Keep a look out for more articles which will be coming soon.

Plenty of single table tournaments and straight cash games are available at Bodog. For more information, visit our Bodog Poker page. To visit their site, click here.